FM ASO TELEPHONES IRANIAN FM MOTTAKI; RAISES

C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 002358 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/24/2017 TAGS: PREL PHUM CASC KDEM IR JA SUBJECT: FM ASO TELEPHONES IRANIAN FM MOTTAKI; RAISES DETAINEES REF: A. STATE 68161 ¶B. TOKYO 2245 Classified By: Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer for reasons 1.4(b) and (d ) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Foreign Minister Aso telephoned Iranian Foreign Minister Mottaki May 24 to urge Iran to halt uranium enrichment activities and to take a constructive approach in coming talks with the United States. Aso raised with Mottaki the subject of detained Iranian-American citizens and said that such negative developments make it more difficult to expect a positive outcome from the talks. Mottaki expressed chagrin that Japan announced the imposition of sanctions against Iran on May 18 when the deadline to do so was not until May 23. He was noncommittal about the arrest cases. END SUMMARY. -------------- IRAN URGED TO CEASE URANIUM ENRICHMENT -------------- ¶2. (C) The telephone conversation was initiated by FM Aso, according to MOFA Second Middle East Division Principal Deputy Director Motosada Matano. The purpose of the call was to discuss with Mottaki Japan's recent imposition of additional sanctions on Iran pursuant to UNSCR 1747. Aso reiterated Japan's position that Iran must comply with the will of the international community and cease uranium enrichment activities. Mottaki replied he was displeased by the fact Japan announced the imposition of the sanctions on May 18, several days before the May 23 deadline and before any other countries had done so. -------------- IRANIAN-AMERICAN DETAINEES -------------- ¶3. (C) Aso also urged Mottaki to approach coming talks with the United States on Iraq in a constructive manner, telling him, "in the spirit of friendship", that Iran should seize this opportunity to build trust and confidence. The talks are in the interests of Iran and should be seen as a chance to eliminate issues that have been plaguing the relationship. In this regard, continued Aso, the detention of Iranian-American dual citizens is a negative development that has the possiblity of hindering what could be a positive opportunity. According to Matano, Aso urged Mottaki to work for the release of the detainees, but did not specifically mention Dr. Haleh Esfandiari. Matano told Embassy Tokyo political officer the readout he received is a bit unclear on Mottaki's reply. Mottaki seemed to say that complaints by the United States about human rights are nothing new, and suggested that inquiries should be addressed to the Iranian Embassy if Japan wants additional information about the detainee cases. As for the talks, Mottaki told Aso "not to worry" as Iran will take a constructive approach. SCHIEFFER